These rules are identical to those found at our sister shops, Flauna's Fae and Whispers in the Wind

*Gaia ToS at ALL times.

*Stealing anything from this shop; Certs, Pets, Banners, ect will not be tolerated. You will be reported promptly, all pets taken and rehomed, and placed on the blacklist. (this includes previous owners of the shop. This shop is no longer yours, you are NOT allowed to use any lineart or anything from here, EVER)

*Label your trades. When sending a trade, to label it, you need to click the "Change" button. After you've entered the CORRECT label, click the "Done" button. Then send the trade. If you've forgotten to label it, go back and do as described above, but remember, you need to resend the trade. Changing the title and clicking the Done button will not update unless you send the trade again.

*There is to be no flaming, whining, or otherwise acting inappropriately in this thread.

*These pets are meant to be used in Gaia signatures, toyboxes, and journals. They are not to be used outside of Gaia or in any other way (example making a profile background with them) unless given explicit permission from this account.

*ANY pets unclaimed after 2 weeks go back to the shop with no refund. The only exceptions are PAID auctions, FS's, Breedings, and Customs; that's it. Paid means the trade is COMPLETED. Not that you've STARTED a trade. If you won a game pet, a FS pet, a Raffle pet, a free breeding, ect, it's your job to claim it. I'm not going to chase after you to remind you to post certing info. Unclaimed raffle pets will be rerolled to another winner. ***we will be checking user activity to see if a person has actually been online or not. If not, they will be given additional time once they return***

*Don't pm any staff about availability. Ask in the thread or look over the 1st few pages.

*We're not going to hunt you down to inform you of a growing. They're dropped off in thread and the files updated on PB. It is YOUR responsibility to keep track of it. Save the url! Stick around the thread!

*DO NOT repeatedly pm the staff about an issue. WAIT PATIENTLY for a response.

*RESPECT all staff and thread-goers.

*Non-growing pets need to be saved to your own computer.

* Do not advertise in this shop. You may ask to affiliate, but blatant advertising will get you blacklisted. ***NEW*** Posting links to other shops, even in conversation, is also not allowed. While you might not be immediately blacklisted, you could get in trouble. So don't do it; keep it to pm's.

According to legend, Stymphalian birds are beasts of Greek mythology. They were large, quickly breeding beasts characterized by metallic feathers and menacing bronze beaks. The problem was that they were destroying the crops and terrorizing the local inhabitants of Lake Stymphalus (in Arcadia).

The fifth labor of Heracles (also known in Latin as Hercules) was to rid these marshes of the pesky creatures. In order to accomplish this, Athena, goddess of invention (among other things), persuaded Hephaestus to fashion a large pair of bronze clappers to aid Heracles. With this bizarre instrument, the hero was able to create a loud enough ruckus to drive the birds into flight, at which point he proceeded to knock them out of the air with arrows.

As nice as the legend is, the Stymphalian that are here are just a bit different. First of all, they are peaceful creatures (for the most part). They resemble cats more than birds. Gaia Stymphalians have large ears that are folded back unless the Stymphalian feels threatened, in which case they would point up to the sky. Other characteristics include a rather thick, flexible tail, a lithe feline build, and silky fur. Their feathered wings have soft, downy feathers, though for fire elementals, they can burst into flame at the Stymphalians command. Also, these Stymphalian diet on fruit. These pretty beasts don't eat a lot, and tend not to be picky.

Stymphalian, when social, communicate with each other in a series of chirps, trills, mews, and growls. They can also speak the ancient languages of humans telepathically, but not often our modern-day English. They may or may not bond with their owners, so don't be surprised if you see one wandering about alone!

Long ago, in the annals of the Stymphalian's past, all their history, knowledge and lore were written on ancient scrolls. Sometime between then and now, those scrolls were lost, and only recently have we realized that this history was forgotten.

In the guild, there is a thread that lists the completed stories that have been recovered. Such stories include the breeding scroll, which lists the formula for mixing ash and elements to create new Stymphalian from two or more 'parents'. Fragments of the Super Stage scrolls have been found, and we are close to having them return to Gaia! Also, are stories of the four Guardians: anthropomorphic winged cats which embodied certain dates, traditions, and values for the Stymphalian. They were as follows:

-----& The Stymphalian Death Reaper, the guardian of evil and harbinger of death, called Thanatos.
-----& Old Man Winter, the embodiment of Yule, the Christmas Spirit and Wisdom, called Jericho.
-----& The guardian of Rebirth: Spring and Breeding, called Aine.
-----& ...Something to do with the sun, and joy of life: growth, and prosperity?? [Fragmented]

As these stories are rediscovered, no doubt a new great age of prosperity will come to the Stymphalian!

The double-handled pitcher is called a Hydria. Traditionally, it holds water. If your Pyxis is treated with this water, then the resulting Stymphalian will be of a water-related element (water, ice, etc.).

The single-handled pitcher is called a Lekythos. It contains a fragrant and highly flammable oil. If your Pyxis is treated with this oil, the resulting Stymphalian will be of a fire-related element (fire, ash, etc.).

The Calyx Krater contains earth, of course, but not just any dirt! Deep in the forest there exists a temple, and from its deepest vault was taken this earth. Adding this to the Pyxis will create an Earth Stymphalian.

The thin, double-handled Dressel contains wine, and its fumes provide the starting point for the breath of life for Air type Stymphalian.

The Darks result from strange chemical reactions between the Pyxis powder and various elements. These Stymphalian are extremely rare, and will come from Askos, which contain their dark, viscous liquids.

Skyphos were used as deep wine cups and were sometimes made of precious metals. A Stymph with this Amphora will be a Light Elemental.

Corinthian amphora were rather large and typically used to store wine. Stymphalian with these amphora are Fallen.

This little one is still rather weak and has closed eyes much of the time, since they require quite a bit of sleep. Their wings are but tiny spurts of feathers on their back and their bodies are about the size of a housecat's.

With time and love, the tiny kitten will mature into a healthy, strong Stymphalian adult. These beasts are about the size of an ocelot on average. Some do grow a bit larger, though. Adults have long, narrow legs and more developed wingspans.

Most Stymphalian will age to the Adult stage and then cease growth. There is, however, one final stage. There are a few ways to reach this level of Stymph. This Super Stage transforms them into true elementals, and each has traits that fully exhibit their element. (Some lineart is still under construction...)

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Water Stymphalian tend to be more social in nature. They sport blue-toned pelts with soft designs, and their wings, though not webbed, have silky waterproof feathers, much like those of a penguin. This enables these pretty creatures unbelievable speed in water. Though all Stymphalian are quite tranquil, water elements portray this quality to a greater extent. Supers have fins on their paws to increase their swimming speed, and their tails appear to be a cascading waterfall when they fly.

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Fire Stymphalian are the epitome of introverts. They keep to themselves a lot, and their resulting silence is interpreted as peacefulness. Their fur has a red color scheme with bold, sharp patterns. Fire elements still have soft, silky wings, but they can burst into and out of flame, depending on the creature's mood. Supers can have firey flares on their paws and tail, and they tend to anger quickly.

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Earth Stymphalians leap between being extroverts and introverts. They may be playful and outgoing one second, and suddenly turn silent and shy the next. They do, however, usually have a tone of caring about them. They generally come in shades of greens and nature-related tones. Their body types are a bit different than that of the water or fire, and they prefer not to fly as much as the other elements do. In exchange, they can to reach incredible speed on land, as the bottoms of their paws are exceedingly rough. Supers tend to have leaves on their tails, and moss may begin to grow on their feet as they become one with the earth. Trails of green growth and flowers may appear in their paw prints after they walk over muddy ground.

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Air Stymphalians are bold, brave and outspoken. They can be punks or rebels. Some may be as ditzy, as well, but it is a recessive trait. A pleasant scent, reminiscent of a cleansing spring rain, emanates from this type. Their fur is thin and peach-like, and is usually only light colours, though it can be any colour tone. Their feathers are extra long and lightweight, and they prefer to fly, or at least be perched higher than anyone else around them. Supers appear to have angelic, massively huge wings, and they have cloud-like whorls on their paws and tails.

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Dark Stymphalian are wild, untamed, and often much larger than the normal fire or water variety. Their fur is thicker and when it is puffed up in fear or defense, it resembles porcupine quills. They have bat-like wings, instead of the feathered wings all other Stymphalian have. Because of this, they once felt scorned and left the other Stymphalian behind. However, they have returned. They still feel some bitter feelings toward the feathered Stymphalian for many reasons such as jealousy or just learned tradition, that differ from dark to dark. They enjoy the night (especially Full Moons, when they have festivals), caves, and autumn. There are not yet any discovered Super Dark Stymphalian.

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Light Stymphalian are symbols of peace and justice. They are very happy Stymphalian, always out to please whenever possible. Though some consider them to be as Yin and Yang to the Dark Stymph's, they are in actuality endeavoring to mend the rift between the Dark Stymphalians and their brethren. Their wings are far more serene than their fellow Stymph's, giving them an angelic appearance. They are also known for looking much more human than the other Stymph at their Super stages.

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So far, only two species other than the Stymph's have appeared here. Are more lurking in the shadows? ***Familiars are unisex***

Q. Who is the owner of this shop?
A. Fayt_of_Redemption is the current owner. Lady_Ivy_1983 and owned it previously.

Q. I'm owed such and such a pet from when the other people owned it!
A. Sorry. Not my responsibility. You need to contact them. Anything you bought from them while they owned it is their responsibility. If it's within reason, however, I MIGHT be able to do something about it. Just ask POLITELY.

Q. How do I get a pet?
A. Best way is to stick around. Pets are put up for sale at random times. Follow given instructions that accompany pet sales.

Q. Can I work here?!
A. If we're hiring, there will be a hiring thread. Otherwise, don't ask.

Q. Do all pets grow?
A. No. Only pets that state that they grow will grow. All others are permas. Later however you may be able to purchase a growth for them.

Q. How long until they grow?
A. Urn to kit about a week, kit to adult about a month

Q. Is there more than 3 stages?
A. Not at this time

Q. Is there any special lines?
A. Yes, a few. But they only appear rarely.

Q. Can I sell or give away my pets?
A. No. All unwanted pets must be returned to the shop. You are not allowed to sell or give them away.

Q. Do we have to roleplay?
A. No. This shop is not rp required.

Q. I think I missed a growing...
A. If you believe you missed a growing, please pm the mule. There's a chance you missed it or we haven't done it yet. So just ask and we'll find out.

Own a breedable shop or color at one and want a pet from this one? We can trade providing I like the pets you have to offer. Simply pm this account with the title "Pet Trade?" with a link to your shop/shop you color for.

History of the Shop:
Ankharis is the original creator of the Stymphalian shop. She created the lineart for the water and fire Stymphalians, the pots for them, as well as the items and overall idea. In order to move on with her life, however, Ankahris passed on the shop to Lady Mist. After a while, school clutched Mist tightly, and she handed the shop over to Riftwing. They then sold it to Lady_Ivy_1983. Fayt_of_Redemption currently owns it.

Ankharis - The Kitten stage; Normal Waters, Fires, original Dark Male; certs for Fire, Water, and the Temple of Gods and Whisper of Artemis; the pots for fire and water; and the pyxis; gold, silver, dark and white items; some sketches.

Lady Mist - Plushies, Earth Certs, Figurines

Bouncy_Pineapple - Water Female Super, Dark Supers

DJ Snowkat - Dragon Familiar sketch

Rakura Lynn - Aine the breeding, rebirth, and spring guardian

Riftwing - Normal Earths; concept for air female; the earth and air pots; most studded and skull items; Rising Sun Cert